For those who’ve lost their teeth to decay or an accident, there may soon be a new way to restore your pearly whites. Researchers at the University of Southern California are studying the ability of alligators to grow their teeth in the hopes of one day recreating the process in humans. Health Day reporter Brenda Goodman provides more info on this development:

“In a new study published in the May 13 issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers reported that pockets of stem cells at the base of each tooth allow alligators to renew their teeth.

Using a variety of methods — including studying cells under a microscope, 3-D imaging and experimentation inside and outside the body — researchers at the University of Southern California and other institutions found a thin layer of slow-growing stem cells that seemed to be responsible for replacing the reptiles’ lost chompers.

The cells sit in a layer of tissue called the dental lamina. Humans also have dental lamina tissue, but it goes dormant in young children soon after they finish making their first and only set of replacement teeth.”

Until this technology becomes a reality, dentures fitted onto you by a reliable Concord dentist remain to be one of your best options for replacing lost teeth. With dentures, you can regain your smile and restore your confidence almost immediately.

There are a variety of dentures to choose from. With the help of a trusted dentist in Concord like Dr. Kent Davis, you’ll be assured of receiving natural looking dentures that match your tooth color and facial structure.